Posted by NCLisa on 1/26/07 1:44pm
Msg #172705

Closing I didn't do today!

I got a call late last night asking me to do a closing today, they were looking at my webpage and quoted me my fees, I agreed. It is a NC company, and I did one closing for them a couple weeks ago, that was a nightmare. It was a purchase in a chain, and docs were late so all the other closings were late. There was no recording after I did the closing, so no one got their money. But, I digress...

I stopped at my PO Box at 8:30 and picked up my mail and there was the check from the first closing, very short. I emailed them and let them know. I then tell them that I still had not recieved my closing confirmation from the closing, and requoted my fee. I then get a nasty email stating that a check was sent out to me for the difference from the first closing, but I quoted them a different fee for todays closing, and how dare I think I should make so much money for 2 hours worth of work.

I emailed them back stating that " I am so busy that I really don't need to work with anyone with that attitude. It is much more than 2 hours worth of work, it is time, driving time, gas, mileage, insurance, wear and tear on my car, E&O insurance, toner, electricity, wear and tear on machines, cell phone minutes, and much much more. Because I didn't get the package first thing this morning as promised that I had to drive 23 miles home to print the package if I were still doing the closing. If I wanted to be short changed I'd still be working full time for an attorney." I also stated that my 17 years experience qualified me to ask the fees that I do.

I never did hear back from them, but I didn't expect to. I am getting so sick of the attitude out there.

Reply by Les_CO on 1/26/07 1:58pm
Msg #172709

Yup! "Been there done that." Why don't you refer them to the attorney you used to work for? Sounds like a great combination !

Reply by Mark/SanJose on 1/27/07 5:54am
Msg #172818

Too Many Words

The Notary Deal Is:
When do you want me to be where?
Here is the price.
Extras are extra (doc printing, etc.)

If you talk more, they know they can talk you down.

Don't talk so much.

Mark

Reply by ReneeK_MI on 1/27/07 7:25am
Msg #172824

Re: Too Many Words - AGREED =)

Spoken like a seasoned parent, Mark! I learned the hard way (by actually raising children).

Requests and requirements should be given in as few words as possible. For every 'reason' you provide - you invite an equal number of debatable issues back. Job quoting isn't a debate.

If you ask your child to clean his room, and proceed to provide all the reasons why he should , you open the door to debate will hear back all the reasons why YOUR reasons are in question. It can chew up the better part of an otherwise enjoyable day.

Reply by NCLisa on 1/27/07 9:34am
Msg #172853

Re: Too Many Words

I didn't use too many words! I quoted my fee when they called. I recieved a check that was for a different fee than was agreed upon for another closing. When clearing that up, they changed the agreed upon fee for the current closing which they quoted in the email as "too much money for 2 hours work." If I wanted to work for them I'd lower my fee. I knew this was over as I wasn't lowering my fee hence my final email to them.

Their confirmations do not include the agreed upon fees. I include the fee I quote in my calendar to keep track. This company hires you for YOUR fee, then pays you another fee. As they require invoices, they totally ignore those. Had another notary tell me last night that they did the same thing to her twice.

Reply by MikeC/NY on 1/27/07 10:18am
Msg #172861

Re: Too Many Words

"Their confirmations do not include the agreed upon fees."

Accepting confirmations that do not mention the fee is just inviting them to pull that kind of stuff. When I get confirmations like that, I go right back to them and politely inform them that I can't accept the assignment unless they confirm the fee also. You have a tougher case to prove when you don't have the fee in writing.

Reply by NCLisa on 1/27/07 1:21pm
Msg #172876

Re: Too Many Words

I do lots of work for another big company that doesn't have fees on their confirmations. I gave them a list of my fees by county, and that is what they input into their system. I've never had a problem with them. It would be nice to get it in writing all the time, but sometimes you can't.

Reply by ReneeK_MI on 1/27/07 11:29am
Msg #172867

Lisa - mea culpa ...

I truly meant more to agree with Mark conceptually, and specifically with regards to job quoting. I didn't mean to imply that you, personally and in this specific instance did/said anything I find 'fault' with. You have certainly presented yourself professionally.

In my enthusiastic agreement with Mark's comments, I failed to consider that since you'd started the thread, it would be seen as directed towards you. I do apologize =)

Reply by NCLisa on 1/27/07 1:47pm
Msg #172878

Re: Lisa - mea culpa ...

No problem Renee!

Reply by BrendaTx on 1/27/07 10:17am
Msg #172860

NCLisa - It sounds like an experience I once had with BancServ...only BancServ at least called and tried to wank me down on the phone before they assumed I'd accept the check for less. Then they got all huffy and said, "Well...your check is already in the mail and we will never, ever use you again." Of course, they call when they need someone.